Ozone: A Fresh Perspective

Whether you own an air purifier or are currently shopping around for one, you’ve more than likely heard about air purifiers that produce ozone. There’s been a long-standing debate regarding what is considered safe levels of ozone within the home. While we are all exposed to naturally occurring ozone, having a machine in your home producing it seems like a scary notion. What you may be surprised to know is every air purifier and household appliance is guilty of this emission. What is considered safe is another story. So, let’s get to it. 
 
The definition of ozone according to the EPA, is “a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is both a natural and a man-made product that occurs in the Earth’s upper atmosphere ozone molecule (the stratosphere) and lower atmosphere (the troposphere).” Ozone is naturally occurring and regardless where you are or what type of appliances surround you, you are going to be exposed. Ozone is often marketed as something to avoid, but what isn’t mentioned is that you cannot even leave your home without coming into contact with it.  
 
It is important to know that safe emission levels should be under 0.05 ppm. Impressively, Winix products rest lower than 0.01 ppm, leaving you to enjoy the benefits of purified air without worrying about harmful ozone. Knowing if your air purifier is CARB compliant is the first step in weeding out unsafe air purifiers. Air purifiers certified by CARB ensure the unit’s ozone emission level is low enough for consumers to use without having concerns about health. Winix offers only CARB compliant air purifiers. In fact, Winix air purifiers emit such low levels of ozone that they are considered harmless. 
 
Ozone exposure is more common that you think. Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or spending time at home, it is always present. Even the purest places on earth like refreshing mountain tops or the beach have ozone present. According to Ozone in the Air, typical ozone concentrations found in the natural atmosphere average at 0.125ppm. In fact, that fresh air feeling we enjoy? That’s ozone.  
 
When looking around your home, you may notice common appliances such as laundry machines and helpful tools like food washers. According to the California Air Resources Board, your laundry machine alone will emit an average of 0.42ppm of ozone during just one wash cycle. Resting slightly lower is your fruit and vegetable washer, which emits 0.2ppm of ozone per use. While these devices emit levels of ozone into your surroundings, the most important fact to keep in mind is just how much ozone they create.  
 
With ozone contact being an inevitable aspect of everyday life, the focus should be on what levels are safe and what levels are not. The presence of ozone is impossible to avoid but purchasing an air purifier that emits a safe level of ozone is something you have full control over.  

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